After months of speculation and tons of spy shots 
including camo-free, pre-production models, the facelifted 991-generation 911, also known as the 991.2, has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2015Frankfurt Motor Show .
including camo-free, pre-production models, the facelifted 991-generation 911, also known as the 991.2, has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2015Frankfurt Motor Show .
At first glance, the updated 911 confirms what we already suspected: updates inside and out are rather mild, while the highlight of this facelift lurks under the hood. Rumors about Porsche’s plans to turbocharged the entire lineup (save for the GTS and GT3 , at least for now) have become official and the Carrera gained forced induction for the first time in its five-decade career.
confirms what we already suspected: updates inside and out are rather mild, while the highlight of this facelift lurks under the hood. Rumors about Porsche’s plans to turbocharged the entire lineup (save for the GTS and GT3 , at least for now) have become official and the Carrera gained forced induction for the first time in its five-decade career.
Tubocharging aside, the new Carrera also comes with an updated chassis, improved dynamics, upgraded in-car technology, and rear-axle steering, an option previously available only with the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 .
and 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 .
The 991.2 is set to arrive on U.S. soil in the first quarter of 2016 for the 2017 model year. Meanwhile, let’s have a closer look at its new features and performance figures in our review below.
Updated 09/07/2015: Porsche dropped the official details on the new 911, with just a few days before its official debut in Frankfurt.
SOURCE:TOPSPEED
Exterior
As with most 911 facelifts, exterior changes are limited to a few nips and tucks
As with most 911 facelifts, exterior changes are limited to a few nips and tucks. Up front, the 991.2 received a new front bumper with revised light strips and an air intake layout similar to the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4’s .
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The headlamps also received a mild refresh under the lenses, featuring four-point daytime running lights. The profile of the 911 remained unchanged except for the revised door handles and the redesigned, five-spoke wheels.
Around back, there’s a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, revised new taillights with four-point brake lights, and a reworked bumper with added air outlets on the sides. Other modifications that are less visible but enhance the 911 Carrera’s abilities include a ride height that’s 0.4 inches lower than the previous model due to a reconfigured Porsche Active Suspension Management system, wider rear wheels (widened by 0.5 to 11.5 inches), and wider rear tires, now measuring 305 mm instead of 295 mm.
All told, the 991.2 remains recognizable as a 911, which is pretty much what both Porsche and its loyal fans wanted.
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Height | 50.9 Inches (1,294 MM) |
|---|---|
| Width | 71.2 Inches (w/o mirrors) |
| Wheelbase | 96.5 Inches (2,450 MM) |
| Length | 177.1 Inches (4,499 MM) |
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Interior
Interior updates are also on the table, but they’re more about technology than design, leaving the overall layout of the cabin unchanged. The first thing that catches the eye is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with an online navigation module.
The first thing that catches the eye is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with an online navigation module.
The new PCM can be operated similar to a smartphone, by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, while also recognizing handwritten user inputs. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi. A new option adds Apple CarPlay connectivity for iPhones.
Real-time traffic information is available with the new PCM system, as well as Google Earth and Google Streetview, both integrated for the first time in the 911. The instrument cluster should also feature enhanced graphics.
The steering wheel has also been revised and when the 911 Carrera is equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package it received a mode switch. Derived from the hybrid map switch of the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder , it consists of a rotary dial with four position for the driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual.
, it consists of a rotary dial with four position for the driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual.
The new Individual mode allows drivers to configure their own setup of the chassis, the PDK’s shifting strategy (if the option is selected), the exhaust system, and the start/stop system. Models ordered with the PDK transmission feature a Sport Response button that sets the drivetrain for maximum acceleration.
Everything else remains the same, which is good news given the 991 is packed with Porsche’s finest materials and a wide range of upholstery colors. Of course, buyers looking for a customized cockpit can take it to Porsche Exclusive for loads of special trims and colors.
Drivetrain
This is where the 991 has received its most important update, as both the Carrera and Carrera S have ditched their naturally aspirated, 3.4- and 3.8-liter engines in favor of a newly-designed turbocharged unit. Also a flat-six (what else, huh?), the new mill displaces 3.0 liters and uses turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a specific exhaust system, and a revised engine management system.
Though the previous Carrera was far from being a gas guzzler at 22 mpg combined with the manual and 23 mpg combined with the PDK, the new turbo engines will also bring significant improvements in that department.
The six-cylinder pumps out 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque in the Carrera and 420 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of twist in the Carrera S. These figures account for 20-horsepower and 43-pound-feet improvements for both models. Naturally, the extra power and torque makes the 911 Carrera two tenths of a second quicker than its predecessor.
When equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission, the Carrera hits 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60 and a top speed of 183 mph. The PDK transmission reduces the sprint to 4.2 seconds, while the Sport Chrono package takes it down to an impressive four seconds flat. With the PDK, the Carrera tops out at 182 mph. Moving over to the manual Carrera S, 0-to-60 comes in at 4.1 seconds and top speed at 191 mph. Customers who opt for the PDK will be able to reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds or 3.7 ticks with Sport Chrono. For this model top speed is 190 mph.
More good news comes from the rpm department, as the new engine revs up to 7,500, a relatively high engine speed for a turbocharged powertrain. Torque kicks in from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm.
Though the previous Carrera was far from being a gas guzzler at 22 mpg combined with the manual and 23 mpg combined with the PDK, the new turbo engines will also bring significant improvements in that department. EPA ratings aren’t yet available, but Porsche said the new engines "are almost twelve percent more efficient compared to the previous generation according to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC)." This means the new 911 Carrera could return up to 30 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined, and 22 mpg city depending on configuration. Impressive!
Another important addition here is the availability of rear-axle steering as an option. Adopted from the current 911 Turbo and the track-prepped 911 GT3, the steering system makes the Carrera more precise when changing lanes at higher speeds, while also ensuring greater maneuverability in city traffic thanks to a turning radius that is 1.6 feet smaller. Rear-axle steering will also come in handy at the race track according to the Germans, who claim the new Carrera S is ten seconds faster than the previous model on the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of only seven minutes and 30 seconds.
DRIVETRAIN SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | 911 Carrera | 911 Carrera S |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder layout / number of cylinders | Boxer 6 | Boxer 6 |
| Displacement | 3.0 l | 3.0 l |
| Engine layout | Rear engine | Rear engine |
| Max. Power | 370 HP | 420 HP |
| Max. Torque | 331 LB-FT | 368 LB-FT |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 : 1 | 10.0 : 1 |
| Top Track Speed | 183 mph manual (182 mph PDK) | 191 MPH manual (190 mph PDK) |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph | 4.4 sec manual (4.2 sec PDK; 4.0 sec (PDK with Sport Chrono)) | 4.1 sec (3.9 sec PDK / 3.7 sec (PDK with Sport Chrono)) |
Chassis And Suspension
Besides the rear-axle steering, the lowered ride height, and the wider rear wheels, the new 911 Carrera also features a reconfigured Porsche Active Suspension Management system that helps improve driver control during fast cornering, new shock absorbers for enhanced comfort, and tires that offer reduced rolling resistance and better grip. There’s also an optional electro-hydraulic lift system with lifting cylinders integrated into the front axle struts. These allow the front axle to be increased by 1.57 inches within five seconds at the push of a button, enabling the sports car to handle steep driveways or those pesky speed bumps.
Safety
Porsche has yet to detail the safety feature available with the facelifted 911 Carrera, but it’s safe to assume they are identical to the previous model. The sports car should come with anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, and overhead airbags among many others.
should come with anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, and overhead airbags among many others.Prices
Pricing for the facelifted Porsche 911 Carrera starts from $89,400, not including destination, which makes the new model $5,100 more expensive than its predecessor. Adding a PDK takes the sticker of the Carrera up to $92,600. The Carrera S with the manual transmission retails from $103,400, while the same version with PDK fetches $106,600 before options. As for cabriolets, the Carrera is priced from $101,700 and the Carrera S from $115,700. U.S. models will be launched in March 2016.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Porsche 911 Carrera Manual | $89,400 |
| Porsche 911 Carrera PDK | $92,600 |
| Porsche 911 Carrera S Manual | $103,400 |
| Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK | $106,600 |
Conclusion
It’s been 17 years since the 911 switched from air-cooled to water-cooled engines, and the iconic sports car has received yet another major change that sets it further apart from the original concept "Butzi" Porsche conceived in the early 1960s. By discontinuing the naturally aspirated Carrera, Porsche is bound to upset quite a lot of 911 purists, but the enhanced output and the improved fuel economy are likely to draw in just enough enthusiasts to make the switch feasible in terms of sales. Fortunately for purists, the all motor 911 is not yet lost, as there’s no official confirmation that the GTS will go turbo and the GT3s are likely to remain naturally aspirated for a while longer. Meanwhile, the 911 has taken a big step into the future, despite betraying some of its heritage. I guess the "The king is dead long live the king!" saying fits perfectly here.
UPDATED HISTORY
Updated 07/23/2015: German magazine AutoBild reports that the new Porsche 911 Carrera will come with a series of improvements under the hood. On both the Carrera and the Carrera S versions the current engines will be replaced by one single 3.0-liter flat-six unit with output increased to 370 and 420 horsepower, respectively.
Update 7/20/2015: A 991.2 facelift was caught wearing no camouflage on the Nurburgring.
on the Nurburgring.Spy Shots
JULY 20, 2015 - PORSCHE 911 CAUGHT TESTING CAMO FREE
MAY 19, 2015 - PORSCHE 991 DROPS ITS CAMOUFLAGE
MARCH 31, 2014 - FACELIFT PORSCHE 911 CAUGHT ON THE ROAD
JANUARY 24, 2014 - REVISED PORSCHE 911 BEGINS WINTER TESTING
Press Release
Celebrating its debut at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, the new 911 Carrera is taking performance and everyday usability to new heights. Innovative flat-six engines derived from four decades of turbocharging used in racing and on road cars not only make this the fastest 911 Carrera ever, but also provide abundant torque for superior passing power. An advanced chassis offering an even more sophisticated combination of ride comfort and performance characterizes the handling of the new 911. For the first time, rear-axle steering is available as an option for the Carrera S, significantly enhancing its already superb agility. These improvements reduce the lap time on the North Loop of the Nürburgring to just 7 minutes and 30 seconds, making it 10 seconds faster than the previous Carrera S.
Many exterior features of the 911 Carrera have been visually refined from new headlights with four-point daytime running lights to integrated door handle recesses, a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights – including the characteristic four-point brake lights. The new standard Porsche Communication Management system with a multi-touch display offers an expanded range of functions and simplified usability.
New turbocharged engines: 20 horsepower increase, reduced fuel consumption
The completely new engine generation featuring twin-turbo technology enhances the driving pleasure of the 911 Carrera and provides a 20 hp increase compared to the previous models. The 3.0 liter engine in the standard Carrera now develops 370 hp. Using turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a model-specific exhaust system, and a different tune for the engine management system, the 911 Carrera S delivers 420 hp from the same displacement. The new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S engines are characterized by significantly increased torque. Offering up to 331 lb.-ft. and 368 lb.-ft., respectively, from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm, both powertrains supply generous torque over a broad powerband. Reaching up to 7,500 rpm, the new engine generation also maintains relatively high engine speeds for a turbocharged powertrain – accompanied by the familiar Porsche sound.
The completely new engine generation featuring twin-turbo technology enhances the driving pleasure of the 911 Carrera and provides a 20 hp increase compared to the previous models. The 3.0 liter engine in the standard Carrera now develops 370 hp. Using turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a model-specific exhaust system, and a different tune for the engine management system, the 911 Carrera S delivers 420 hp from the same displacement. The new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S engines are characterized by significantly increased torque. Offering up to 331 lb.-ft. and 368 lb.-ft., respectively, from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm, both powertrains supply generous torque over a broad powerband. Reaching up to 7,500 rpm, the new engine generation also maintains relatively high engine speeds for a turbocharged powertrain – accompanied by the familiar Porsche sound.
Traditionally, a new 911 offers enhanced performance and efficiency compared to the predecessor. Depending on the model variant, the new engines are almost twelve percent more efficient compared to the previous generation according to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC). EPA ratings will be available at a later date.
The new 911 models also boast impressive performance: the 911 Carrera Coupé with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds – making it two tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package needs just 3.7 seconds (also 0.2 s faster). Both models reach higher top track speeds: the 911 Carrera is now able to reach 183 miles per hour, while the 911 Carrera S can achieve up to 191 miles per hour. All new Carrera variants are offered with a manual seven-speed transmission as standard.
When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the 911 Carrera now comes with a mode switch on the steering wheel, derived from the hybrid map switch in the 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary dial with four positions for the driving modes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. Depending on the optional equipment installed in the car, the Individual setting allows drivers to configure their own specific vehicle set-up for the chassis, Auto Start/Stop system, PDK shifting strategy, and Sport Exhaust System. On models equipped with the PDK transmission, the mode switch has a "Sport Response" button, which pre-conditions the drivetrain for maximum acceleration.
A standard feature: reengineered PASM with chassis lowered by ten millimeters
The uniqueness of the 911 Carrera stems from its ability to blend refined everyday comfort with exceptional performance. On the new generation, Porsche has increased the dynamic capability even further than before. The revised PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management), which lowers the ride height by ten millimeters, is a standard feature. It helps improve driver control during fast cornering. New shock absorbers enhance comfort thanks to an even more precise response characteristic and improved body control during spirited driving. New standard wheels with five twin spokes are equipped with tires that offer reduced rolling resistance and enhanced grip. Furthermore, the width of the rear rims has been increased by 0.5 to 11.5 inches on all variants. The rear tires of the 911 Carrera S now measure 305 instead of 295 millimeters in width.
The uniqueness of the 911 Carrera stems from its ability to blend refined everyday comfort with exceptional performance. On the new generation, Porsche has increased the dynamic capability even further than before. The revised PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management), which lowers the ride height by ten millimeters, is a standard feature. It helps improve driver control during fast cornering. New shock absorbers enhance comfort thanks to an even more precise response characteristic and improved body control during spirited driving. New standard wheels with five twin spokes are equipped with tires that offer reduced rolling resistance and enhanced grip. Furthermore, the width of the rear rims has been increased by 0.5 to 11.5 inches on all variants. The rear tires of the 911 Carrera S now measure 305 instead of 295 millimeters in width.
Rear-axle steering is available as an option for the 911 Carrera S, adopted from the current 911 Turbo and 911 GT3. It further enhances the turn-in behavior of the 911. Additionally, it increases driving precision when changing lanes at higher speeds. At the same time, it ensures greater maneuverability in city traffic thanks to a turning radius that is 1.6 feet smaller than without this option. The improved handling is transmitted to the driver via the new steering wheel generation with a design based on the steering wheel from the 918 Spyder. For enhanced everyday practicality, Porsche offers an optional electro-hydraulic lift system with lifting cylinders that are integrated into the front axle struts. At the touch of a button, the ground clearance at the front axle is increased by 40 millimeters within 5 seconds. This is particularly useful when clearing speed bumps or steep driveways.
New Porsche Communication Management including online navigation
A standard feature of the new 911 Carrera models is the newly developed Porsche Communication Management System (PCM), including an online navigation module. The PCM can be operated by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, similar to a smartphone. Handwritten user inputs are recognized. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi. Also new is the option of connecting an iPhone® to the PCM to utilize Apple CarPlay™.
A standard feature of the new 911 Carrera models is the newly developed Porsche Communication Management System (PCM), including an online navigation module. The PCM can be operated by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, similar to a smartphone. Handwritten user inputs are recognized. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi. Also new is the option of connecting an iPhone® to the PCM to utilize Apple CarPlay™.
Real-time traffic information is available for significantly enhanced navigation. It gives the driver a quick overview of the traffic situation and guarantees dynamic adaptation of the route to this information. Google® Earth and Google® Streetview are also being integrated for the first time to offer better orientation. Porsche Car Connect and the Connect Plus module can be used for remotely controlled vehicle functions, transferring destinations to the PCM for navigation and streaming music using third-party service providers via the PCM.
Market launch in March 2016
The new Porsche 911 Carrera models will be launched in the United States in March of 2016.
The new Porsche 911 Carrera models will be launched in the United States in March of 2016.
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